Being a freelance videographer, photographer, or creative business owner can feel like navigating a maze. Questions constantly arise: Should I take on every job? Do I stick to my rates or adjust for the market? Should I jump from project to project or focus on building a sustainable client base? These are challenges many of us face daily.
In this blog post, I’ll share insights from my personal journey over the years, including a recent conversation with a friend who owns his own content creation company. He called for advice about whether to take a low-paying gig. The situation brought up valuable lessons for anyone in the industry.
When Should You Accept a Low-Paying Job?
My friend’s dilemma was whether to accept a $150/day gig for a video-on-demand (VOD) platform. On the surface, it seemed like an opportunity to get his foot in the door, but the long days and low pay gave him pause. My advice? It depends.
There are times when accepting low-paying work can be a strategic move:
For the Experience: Early in my career, I worked for free or for very little to build my portfolio. Sometimes, those opportunities paid off by opening doors to bigger projects. However, I’ve also had situations where such work amounted to nothing but wasted time.
For Networking: If the project connects you with influential people or places you in a niche you’re passionate about, it might be worth considering.
For Exposure to Dream Clients: If the company aligns with your career goals or showcases your ideal work, the short-term sacrifice could lead to long-term benefits.
However, there’s a significant downside: once you position yourself as the “$150/day person,” it can be hard to break out of that perception. Clients may balk at higher rates later, expecting the same low price.
The Problem with Being Just a Freelancer
Freelancing offers flexibility, but it often caps your earnings. You’re trading time for money, and there are only so many hours in a day. To truly thrive, you need to evolve from being just a technician to a problem-solver.
For example, if an agency hires you for $1,200 to shoot a video, they might charge the client $12,000 to edit, distribute, and market that same video. Why? Because they’re solving a bigger problem for the client: delivering results, not just footage.
The key lesson? Learn to position yourself as someone who solves problems. When you offer solutions that go beyond the camera, you can charge significantly more and build long-term client relationships.
Avoiding the Race to the Bottom
The creative industry, especially wedding videography, has become saturated. Many photographers and videographers slash their rates to secure gigs. This “race to the bottom” devalues the industry and leaves creators scrambling to make a living.
Instead of competing on price, focus on:
Quality Over Quantity: I’d rather do one $3,000 wedding than five $800 weddings. Fewer projects mean more time to deliver exceptional work and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Building Personal Connections: When potential clients inquire, I get on the phone immediately to understand their needs and convey my seriousness. This personal touch often sets me apart from lower-priced competitors.
Positioning as a Premium Service: Your personality, professionalism, and ability to connect with clients can justify higher rates. Remember, people pay for the experience as much as the product.
The Value of Retainers
One way to stabilize your income is through retainer clients. I have a few clients who pay me monthly to create consistent content. This arrangement provides financial stability and allows me to focus on delivering value without constantly chasing new projects.
However, retainers don’t last forever. Contracts end, so it’s essential to keep marketing yourself and pursuing new opportunities.
Practical Takeaways
Evaluate Every Opportunity: Ask yourself if the project aligns with your goals, builds your network, or enhances your portfolio. If it doesn’t, consider passing.
Learn to Say No: Positioning yourself as a premium service means turning down jobs that don’t align with your worth.
Budget Wisely: Inconsistent income is a reality for freelancers. Learning to budget can help you weather slow months.
Focus on Problem-Solving: Clients value solutions more than technical skills. Understand their needs and offer comprehensive services.
Final Thoughts
Freelancing is a journey filled with tough decisions. Whether you’re considering a low-paying gig or debating how to position yourself in the market, always keep your long-term goals in mind. Ask yourself: Does this opportunity align with where I want to be?
Remember, the most successful creatives are those who understand their value, invest in relationships, and consistently strive to provide exceptional service. Whether you’re just starting or have been in the industry for years, these principles can guide you toward a sustainable and rewarding career.
What’s your take on accepting low-paying jobs? Share your thoughts in the comments below. And if you found this post helpful, don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insights into the creative industry!
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